Drivers underestimate danger of texting and driving

Teens text and drive

MUSKOKA - Although research continually demonstrates its dangers, drivers of all ages underestimate the risk of texting and driving. Texting and driving is especially widespread among teens and young adults.

“Teenagers have a sense of being invincible, so why not text and drive?” said Libby Radey, 21.

An American-based study found that 77 per cent of young adults are very or somewhat confident that they can safely text while driving.

“Depends on the circumstances; for example, the length of the text and whereabouts on the road I am – at a stoplight, on a windy road, on the highway. But overall, I wouldn’t say it’s difficult,” explained a 20-year-old Muskoka resident, who asked not to be named.

“Teenagers have a sense of being invincible, so why not text and drive?” said Libby Radey, 21.

The Canadian Automobile Association reports that drivers engaged in texting are 23 times more likely to be involved in an accident. Distracted driving is cited as a factor in 30 to 50 per cent of all traffic collisions in Ontario, but the OPP estimates that the number is actually much higher due to under reporting.

Sarah MacDonald, 20, calls texting and driving “dangerous and irresponsible.” “I've been in a car a few times with people who pull out their phones and it makes me feel very uncomfortable. I'm at the point now where I have no problem telling people to stop. I wouldn't say it's super common but sometimes I see people driving around town with a cellphone to their ear or suspiciously looking down at their lap. One message isn't worth a life,” she said.

Using hand-held devices to text or call has been illegal in Ontario since 2009. Drivers caught using cellphones behind the wheel are liable for a $155 fine but no demerits. By comparison, exceeding the speed limit by 16 to 29 kilometres per hour carries a charge of three demerit points.

Activists advocate tougher penalties for distracted drivers and more comprehensive education about the dangers of texting and driving. A similar crackdown on drunk driving is credited with the sizeable drop in impaired driving incidents since the mid-1980s.